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A review by plantbasedbride
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a touching, whimsical, wholesome, lovely tale of found family, acceptance, and belonging. And I adored it with all my heart.
Linus is sent to assess the viability of an orphanage by the sea, and the magical children (and adults) he meets there will change his life forever. Each character is complex and wonderful and reading about them made my heart grow ten sizes. I honestly love them all, but I must mention my deep appreciation for Chauncy and his pure heart and absolutely adorable dream, Sal and his stunning poetry and quiet strength, Talia's gruff love and fierce loyalty, and Lucy's diabolical sense of humour and vulnerability.
This book explores important issues in a straightforward and at times heavy-handed way, but it didn't bother me. The message may be clear, but it is an important one. Not all themes must be hidden behind layers of metaphor and innuendo. Sometimes you can just say what you mean:
“Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you're not alone, you will overcome.”
A book about protecting children no matter who or what they are, finding love and acceptance for those who are different, and seeking to understand each other rather than shut each other out with hate and fear, and full of some of the most vivid and loveable characters I've had the pleasure to read about, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a new favourite.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
Linus is sent to assess the viability of an orphanage by the sea, and the magical children (and adults) he meets there will change his life forever. Each character is complex and wonderful and reading about them made my heart grow ten sizes. I honestly love them all, but I must mention my deep appreciation for Chauncy and his pure heart and absolutely adorable dream, Sal and his stunning poetry and quiet strength, Talia's gruff love and fierce loyalty, and Lucy's diabolical sense of humour and vulnerability.
This book explores important issues in a straightforward and at times heavy-handed way, but it didn't bother me. The message may be clear, but it is an important one. Not all themes must be hidden behind layers of metaphor and innuendo. Sometimes you can just say what you mean:
“Hate is loud, but I think you'll learn it's because it's only a few people shouting, desperate to be heard. You might not ever be able to change their minds, but so long as you remember you're not alone, you will overcome.”
A book about protecting children no matter who or what they are, finding love and acceptance for those who are different, and seeking to understand each other rather than shut each other out with hate and fear, and full of some of the most vivid and loveable characters I've had the pleasure to read about, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a new favourite.
“Change often starts with the smallest of whispers. Like-minded people building it up to a roar.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Body shaming, and Xenophobia